Road Traffic Accidents and Life Changing Personal Injury

If you (or someone you care about) are unfortunate as to be involved in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault — whether that’s in a car, a cycling accident or even an accident as a pedestrian — you could find yourself suffering from a completely life-altering injury such as brain injury or paralysis. The results of these injuries can be devastating and it’s true that no amount of money can make things completely right again. However, a successful compensation claim could see you awarded the money you and your family need to make the necessary changes, employ the correct care and, crucially, help you regain your independence.

How can a personal injury claim help after a road traffic accident?

 If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of a road traffic accident caused by somebody else’s negligence, then life will not be the same again.

Becoming paralysed or being the victim of a brain injury both have varied, long-term effects depending on the scale of the injury, but compensation can help you and your family make the necessary adjustments without financial worry.

1. 1. 1. If your injury leaves you mentally or physically disabled in any way, compensation can cover the cost of care, whether this be residential care or a visiting carer.
      2. An injury such as paralysis will likely require adjustments to your home, such as the addition of an accessible bathroom, ramps for wheelchairs or the inclusion of a downstairs bedroom with an appropriate bed and accessibility equipment. If your home cannot be adapted, you may need to move house to somewhere more suitable. Compensation can potentially cover all of these expenses.
      3. If your accident leaves you with mobility issues either as the result of a brain injury or paralysis, compensation can help ensure you stay mobile by covering the cost of equipment such as wheelchairs or specialist vehicles. It can also help you with rehabilitation, by paying for physiotherapy and even state of the art equipment such as bionic walking devices to help recover some mobility.
      4. An accident of this nature will leave you unable to work on a long-term basis — possibly permanently. It can also mean your spouse, partner or parents have to leave work or reduce their hours in order to act as your carer. Compensation can cover loss of earnings to ensure you and your family do not suffer any financial consequences.
      5. A successful compensation claim of this kind can also help to compensate for the emotional trauma of going through such a life-altering event — and having that trauma legally recognised can be a start on the road to recovery.

These, are, of course, just a few of the ways a personal injury claim can help in these circumstances. The effects of brain injuries and paralysis can be so different from person to person, that your solicitor will always look at your unique circumstances when making a claim.

Personal Injury Trusts

If you make a successful personal injury claim after your road traffic accident, you can find that your award leaves you ineligible for certain welfare benefits. However, since your compensation was paid to help you deal with the specific issues arising from your injuries, you shouldn’t have to use your compensation just to pay for the basics of day-to-day living. Placing your compensation pay out in a Personal Injury Trust prevents it from being taken into account when deciding if you are eligible for certain benefits, although you can still access your money when it’s required.  The solicitor handling your claim will be able to discuss using a Personal Injury Trust and advise you of the best approach in your particular case.

How to find out if you have a claim

If you or a loved one has been involved in a road traffic accident resulting in serious injury such as brain injury or paralysis, speak to Luke Curran & Co Solicitors in Newry and we will be able to advise whether or not you have a claim.  Our professional, compassionate team has almost 40 years of legal experience and will guide you through the whole process of your claim to ensure the best possible outcome.  Call us today on +44 (0)28 302 67134 or email law@lukecurran.co.uk.